Overview
Anger, often synonymous with aggressiveness, manifests as antagonistic and hostile behavior toward others for various reasons. It’s a natural emotion experienced by every human. Usually, individuals manage it independently, but doctors may prescribe medications to manage it when it significantly disrupts daily life.
The options recommended for anger management often include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and anti-anxiety medications. These medications influence the central nervous system and help regulate the chemicals released by the brain in response to anger.
What are the best medications prescribed for anger management?
Antidepressants
Antidepressants prescribed for anger management purposes are mostly “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” that limit the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Usually, all the serotonin released by the brain is taken back and it’s rereleased. With this medication, neurotransmitters stay in the brain for a longer span, which elevates and improves the mood. Some of the most prescribed antidepressants include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Paxil.
Your healthcare provider will guide you about this medication’s compliance and withdrawal effects.
Antipsychotics and Mood stabilizers
Antipsychotic medications function somewhat similarly to antidepressants by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, ultimately uplifting mood and enhancing mental well-being. They are commonly prescribed to manage various mental conditions, including issues related to anger and mood fluctuations.
Some widely prescribed antipsychotics include :
- Risperidone
- Olanzapine
- Aripiprazole
- Quetiapine.
Healthcare providers also prescribe them, but they are unavailable over the counter. Some common side effects of antipsychotics are
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dry eyes
- Hot flashes.
Antipsychotic medications and mood stabilizers not only stabilize mood or anger but are also prescribed for Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by the medical condition where you go through specific episodes of depression and mania.
Anti-anxiety medications
In addition to antidepressants and antipsychotics, certain anti-anxiety medications are employed in treating anger.
Benzodiazepines, a class of medications primarily used for anxiety management, also prove effective in addressing anger. Medications within this category, such as Midazolam and Lorazepam, are commonly prescribed as they swiftly alleviate irritation and anger.
What is the best therapy for anger?
As an emotion, anger often doesn’t require treatment and can be managed by individuals. However, intervention becomes necessary when it significantly impacts daily activities.
Some of the techniques for managing anger include:
- Getting yourself checked by a healthcare provider who will prescribe you medications like antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antianxiety, and other medications that can be of great help for anger management.
- A medical (psychological) consultation can help you understand your behavioral patterns and manage your anger accordingly.
Who should I consult for anger management?
Consult a healthcare provider (psychologist) or psychiatrist. The psychologist will most likely cater to your needs by providing verbal psychotherapy, while the psychiatrist will give you medications to manage the anger. Whether you will go to a psychologist or psychiatrist depends on the nature and severity of your condition. It will only be decided by your healthcare provider.
FAQs about medication for anger
As per the studies published, Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is considered the most effective and successful mood stabilizer that is usually prescribed for bipolar disorder. It enhances and increases the stability of your mood fluctuation.
Anger isn’t inherently classified as a mental illness, and there aren’t specific medications solely designated for its treatment. It’s often linked to various mental health concerns and can be addressed by treating underlying conditions that contribute to anger issues.
